logic Pro X: very low volume output

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Level 1

8 points

logic Pro X: very low volume output

Hi there everyone. I am new to LPX having graduated from GB. My question is in two part, both re relating to very low volume output...

1. When working my on projects, although the playback volume to my monitors is at a 'good' level (ie reasonable or even loud) as soon as I plug in my phones the volume level is reduced dramatically. It is definitely a Logic issue, as playback volume from iTunes and YouTube is as expected. Clearly it is a comment problem as I've seen it mentioned many times - but without a solution.

2. My second issue is also one I've seen mentioned many times, without resolution. Very low project volume after bouncing... The only way I can seem to get the bounced projects to playback at a reasonable volume is by setting the master to +3db (or more) which doesn't seem right to me as I've seen many talking about setting the master to 0. I suspect the cause may be related to individual/collective track volume(s). I work with 20+ software instrument tracks in every project and keep the volume of each in check (a long way away from clipping). I have wondered if I should set the volume levels much higher, but I'm inexperienced and just don't know what to do.

So, I'd be very grateful for any help as both of these issues are very frustrating. Many thanks.

IMac 27" 5k Retina, 2017. 4.2Ghz i7, 24gb

High Sierra 10.13.6, Logic Pro X 10.4.2

Arturia keylab essential 61, M Audio M-Track Hub,

M Audio BX5 D3 (X2), Audio Technica ATH M50X

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017), macOS High Sierra (10.13.6), i7 processor & 24GB RAM

Posted on Oct 13, 2018 2:04 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Eriksimon

Level 6

15,422 points

Oct 15, 2018 9:38 AM in response to Stodius

OK, first of all, indeed this "issue" has been asked many many times, and it has been "SOLVED" many many times, and it is indeed solely down to inexperience, and NOT some "software issue" that is somehow escaped the Logic developers (all musicians themselves) throughout the many, many years the program exists. The fact is that the "solution" is not some simple two step plan, but involves knowing what you are doing when you are setting levels and compressors and EQ's in your Logic mixer. "Gain staging" is what it is all about. Once you get a bit of experience, it is a piece of cake to get the levels of your final bounce on equal par with "commercial releases". Unless it is certain forms of hiphop or dance or metal, because those guys sometimes go to insane levels, because they don't care as much about music as about showing their swollen willy.

Here are some links to get you started, including some (relatively) "quick 'n easy" fixes. You'll often encounter the posts of Holger Lagerfeldt, who is a very reputable professional mastering engineer from Denmark.

https://www.logicprohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=57055

https://music.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-master-a-track-in-15-minutes-or-less --audio-24

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/music-computers/468170-loudness-when-producing-m ixing-tips.html

https://www.logicprohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=282853#p282853

https://www.audioholics.com/audio-technologies/issues-with-0dbfs-levels-on-digit al-audio-playback-systems

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/mastering-forum/938546-dynamics-vs-loudness.html

https://www.logicprohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=104918#p547354

Get your teeth into all of it. Very informative. Don't forget to try everything they tell you, just reading is rarely enough to learn it all. The "Guide to levels in digital audio" is the solid foundation, followed by the "poor man's mastering" tips.

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Answer 2

Stodius Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 15, 2018 10:07 AM in response to Eriksimon

Thanks very much for your response, and the linked information. It is very frustrating to have finalised a project and feels satisfied with the levels, and then bounce it and listen to the playback sounding barely audible. I hope to find a solution within the information you provided.

Yes, it is a question that has been asked many many many times, but it is also one I've never seen easily or satisfactorily answered. With all the time and energy expended designing the Logic software It does seem like a design flaw - or omission - that what should be an ergonomically streamlined process (ie converting/bouncing the finished project) actually requires esoteric knowledge to rectify, and cannot easily be explained.

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Answer 3

Pancenter

Level 6

14,662 points

Oct 15, 2018 12:17 PM in response to Stodius

Logic being a far more professional program than GB expects the user to learn how it works. Logic does not have"Low" output. It has accurate output. It's not going to do things for you.

Here's some advice from learned from experience.

In Logic's bounce dialog, turn off all Normalization, set it to off,also do not select "include audio tail". If you're bouncing to Mp3 select no less the 256 mbps

If you're listening to your mixes in iTunes turn off all enhancements. They're usually under iTunes/Preferences/Playback.

Ok, now you've gotten rid of all the software garbage... get used to hearing things as the are.

The most common cause of low playback volume is mixing the bass too loud and having a compressor/limiter on the master bus. My guess is you have a problem with gain staging.

You can set the master level anywhere as long as the master level does not go in the red.

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logic Pro X: very low volume output

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